Environment Minister Mary Polak and Premier Christy Clark announce climate leadership team in May. Public opinion is being invited on increased carbon tax and other strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

B.C. wants input on climate strategies

Want to increase carbon tax, or regulations to reduce transportation fuel use? You have until Aug. 17 to have your say

The first phase of public consultation for B.C.’s “Climate Leadership Plan” ends Aug. 17.

Participants are asked to complete an online survey to choose their priorities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Participants are asked to assign a point value to choices such as minimizing travel in community planning, using regulations and incentives to encourage energy efficiency and clean technology, and requiring new greenhouse gas sources to adhere to B..C.’s climate targets.

The survey also asks if the B.C. government should “expand the use of carbon pricing to stimulate business and consumer decisions that reduce emissions.”

The province has committed to hold its carbon tax on fuels at the current level of $30 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent until 2018.

B.C.’s greenhouse gas reduction targets call for a steep reduction in emissions, to reach a 30 per cent decrease from 2007 to 2020.